The 7 Best Bars of Noord

Noord, one of the neighborhoods in Amsterdam, is known for its lively nightlife culture. As the city has been growing over the years, so has the bar scene in Noord. With countless bars opening every year, we’ve compiled a list of the seven best bars in Noord for the ultimate bar crawl.

1. Café De Ceuvel

Café De Ceuvel is not just a bar, but an experience. Located on a former shipyard and described by many as a “sustainable haven,” the unique atmosphere is perfect for those who want a little something extra in their night out. With its own garden and boat dock, this place offers pleasant views and a laid-back vibe. Their beers on tap and delicious snacks are tokens of the sustainable mindset as well, making it a must-visit if you’re in the area.

2. Oedipus Brewing

Oedipus Brewing is a brewery that offers its own beer as well as other locally brewed beers to enjoy on site. With a laid-back atmosphere, open kitchen, and outdoor seating area overlooking the water, Oedipus Brewing is the perfect place to have a beer after work, chill with friends or a date, or host a party, concert or get-together.

3. Cafe Modern

Café Modern is another bar that offers a laid-back atmosphere to escape from the stresses of daily life. Located in a beautiful building that used to be a public bathhouse, this bar serves a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. The vibe here is friendly and intimate and perfect for catching up with friends or having a romantic evening.

4. Skatecafe

If you have ever dreamed of skating on a disco ball dance floor, Skatecafe is the bar for you. The bar offers an outdoor area and an indoor space that has a stage for artists and DJs to perform. They also offer skateboarding lessons and have their own shop that sells skateboards, equipment, and apparel.

5. Tolhuistuin

Tolhuistuin is a cultural center that has its own bar and restaurant, located just north of the Amsterdam Central Station. They offer live music, theater productions, cinema screenings, lectures, and exhibitions throughout the year. The bar itself offers great views overlooking the river IJ, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon drink or an after-work gathering.

6. FC Hyena

FC Hyena is a bar and cinema located in Amsterdam Noord. This place has the ideal atmosphere for a cozy night out with your family, your partner, or a group of friends. FC Hyena offers comfortable seating and serves food, wines, and cocktails, making it a great spot for a night out at the movies with a little something extra.

7. Pllek

Last but not least, we have Pllek, one of the most well-known bars in Amsterdam Noord. This bar is famous for being constructed from shipping containers and offers a great view of the city skyline. With live music, DJs, and events throughout the year, Pllek offers the perfect venue for a night out with friends or a date.

Conclusion

Noord is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a wide variety of bars to choose from, depending on the atmosphere and vibe you’re looking for. You can spend your evenings at Café De Ceuvel or Oedipus Brewing for a more laid-back feel or head to Skatecafe or Pllek for a more lively atmosphere. Tolhuistuin, Café Modern, and FC Hyena offer something unique with their cultural and multifunctional areas, making them a perfect choice for an unconventional night out in Amsterdam. All in all, the bar scene in Noord has something to offer for everyone and is definitely worth checking out.

The Insider’s Guide to Amsterdam’s Noord: Discover the Hidden Gems and Best Bars

When it comes to Amsterdam, most tourists stick to the well-trodden path in the city center, but Noord, on the other side of the IJ river, remains somewhat of a mystery to visitors. Here’s an insider’s guide that uncovers the best-kept secrets, including places to eat, things to do, and, of course, where to indulge in the 7 best bars of Noord.

Local Attractions: Uncover the Hidden Gems

If you want to escape the tourist crowds and hustle-bustle of the city center, Noord is the perfect place to unwind. But you would also be impressed by the serenity and beauty of this lesser-explored area of Amsterdam. For instance, the Van der Pekbuurt neighborhood in Noord, with its predominantly 1920s architecture, is an unexpected oasis of tranquillity and charm. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canals of Noord, explore the eye-catching street art scattered around the area or visit the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde cycle path, which glows in the dark.

Dining Spots: Savor Local Cuisine

A visit to Amsterdam is not complete until you’ve sampled the local cuisine! And Noord has one of the best street foods in the city – Stroopwafels. These sweet and sticky syrup-filled cookie waffles can be sampled at the Noorderparkkamer, a unique cafe where locals come together for delicious food and live music. Another local favorite is the fish restaurant Taka Japanese Kitchen, where you can indulge in some of the best sushi, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes. A trip to Noord wouldn’t be complete without stopping in at Café Modern, which boasts industrial interiors and a varied menu plus an adjacent art gallery, Framer Framed.

Cultural Experiences: Enjoy the Art Scene and Local Festivals

Noord’s former industrial past shaped its identity, and the district’s streets are a testament to the transformation that’s been happening in this vast area. Here you can see a thriving art scene with several galleries and cultural venues dedicated to showcasing local and international artists. The Arthouse cinema EYE, near the water in Noord, is one of the best places to experience cinematic culture. If you are lucky enough to catch the Over ‘t IJ Festival, an annual performing arts festival showcasing Dutch-language outdoor performances around the waterfront, you will be able to fully experience the creative spirit of Amsterdam.

Local History: Discover Fascinating Stories

While Noord may not be as historic as some other neighborhoods in Amsterdam, it still has some captivating stories that are worth exploring. For instance, the Tolhuis is a historic building on the waterfront which was used as a customs house, but now houses a restaurant with beautiful views of Amsterdam North. The abandoned Shell laboratory, a futuristic, nuclear bunker-like building, has been a magnet for urban explorers since it closed in the 1970s. Tours are available to take you inside, and it’s $15 well spent. Visiting these locations will give you a deep sense of Amsterdam’s unique identity.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestion: Bike Around the Countryside of Noord

While Amsterdam’s city center is already bike-friendly, you can experience a more untouched and pristine scenery by cycling around the countryside of Noord. Hop on a ferry that transports bikes too and from the NDSM Wharf, then wander through the rural farmland and wooded areas, stopping at hidden lakes and artisanal cheese and clog-making farms along the way. This activity will provide the perfect solace and an opportunity to be close to nature away from the city bustle.

Amsterdam Noord is a fascinating and unique part of Amsterdam, and it’s time for visitors to experience the lesser-known side of Amsterdam. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or art lover, this neighborhood has something for everyone – so put down the guidebook, explore more, and make your trip to Amsterdam unforgettable!